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Prayer service for peace with younger students
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to our prayer service for peace.
We might hear stories about wars and people not being nice to each other.
It affects all of us. We would like to see all the fighting in the world stop, and see everyone, everywhere living in peace and safety.
Today we pray for peace.
When we are not peaceful, we turn to Jesus, our Good Shepherd, to show us the way.
WE LIGHT A CANDLE FOR PEACE
Leader: We will light the Christ candle. The Christ candle reminds us that Jesus is our Light who shows us how to be peaceful and how to say sorry.
Let us sing a song about lighting a candle for Peace.
OPENING SONG Light a Candle for Peace
OPENING PRAYER
Leader: Let us make a Sign of the Cross.
God our Father, you sent your Son Jesus to show us how to be peaceful people. Let us open our minds and hearts to hear his message of peace. We ask you this in his name.
Amen
Let us listen to God’s word.
Gospel - A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 5, 1-11)
Visual Matthew 5, 1-11 (to 2:43)
OR
When Jesus went up the mountain, he taught his disciples.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
The Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
REFLECTION FOCUS
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
What it Means
God doesn’t want us to be quiet all the time. He’s not talking about that kind of peace. He wants us to be at peace with others — not fighting, arguing, or hurting peoples’ feelings. Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker, and we should be too.
Your challenge - Try to go all day without fighting with your brother or sister. Or if you’re really up for a challenge, see if you can be helpful around the house to keep the peace, doing things like cleaning up after yourself, doing your jobs and not complaining or arguing about how unfair life is.
PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
Let us pray that the peace of Christ is in every human heart. We pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Let us pray for all leaders. That the Holy Spirit will guide them to peace and Christ’s Gospel. We pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Let us pray for all people who suffer because of war. We pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Let us pray for Bishop Greg, Father Bing, our teachers, parents and all who teach us how to be peaceful. We pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Let us pray for ourselves, that we might become peace-makers. We pray to the Lord.
Lord hear our prayer.
CREDO FOR PEACE (With lights turned down) can be shone on overhead screen or suitable wall.)
Leader: Let us now together recite the Credo for Peace.
CREDO FOR PEACE
Jesus is our Good Shepherd.
God’s message is love and peace.
Jesus is our hope.
Through him, we pray for peace in our world.
With him, we work for peace in our family and our school.
Amen
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, you sent your Son Jesus into the world that we might enjoy your peace always. Give us the strength to live as your children and be makers of peace.
Grant that all peoples might put aside their differences.
We make this prayer to you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
May Almighty God bless us: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
FINAL SONG: Shine, Jesus Shine, Rivers of Peace
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